medicinal herbsChinese Wild PeachPrunus davidiana

Herb: Chinese Wild Peach

Latin name: Prunus davidiana

Synonyms: Amygdalus davidiana, Persica davidiana

Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Medicinal use of Chinese Wild Peach:

The seed is analgesic, antiasthmatic, anticoagulant, antitussive, aperient, emollient and haemolytic. It s used in the treatment of amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, traumatic pain due to blood stasis, constipation of aged and debilitated patients, coughs and asthma. The seed contains amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.

Description of the plant:

Plant:

DeciduousTree

Height:

9 m(30 feet)

Flowering:

Marchto May

Habitat of the herb:

Edible parts of Chinese Wild Peach:

The seed is used in China as a flavouring in confectionery and some special dishes. They are somewhat bitter due to the presence of prussic acid so should be used in strict moderation. Fruit. The fruit is about 3cm in diameter and contains one large seed.

Other uses of the herb:

Used as a disease-resistant low-chill rootstock for the cultivated peach, Prunus persica. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit.

Propagation of Chinese Wild Peach:

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Known hazards of Prunus davidiana:

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.